Archdiocese of Galveston Houston St. Mary of the Immaculate Conception Catholic Church 816 Park Dr. La Porte, Texas 77571 281-471-2000 Fax:281-471-9365 Website:www.stmaryslaporte.com E-mail: [email protected] 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 Third Sunday of Easter April 19, 2015 Sacrament of Baptism Baptisms are celebrated on the 1st Sunday of the month. Classes are held on the 2nd & 3rd 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 1st 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. ST. MARY'S CATHOLIC CHURCH ~ LA PORTE THIRD SUNDAY OF EASTER APRIL 19, 2015 “God is at Work Here” Loan Balance Tuesday, April 21: 12:00pm Susie Melchor† By:Becky Melchor Wednesday, April 22: 8:30am Gerhardt† & Elva† Weynand By:Family Thursday, April 23: 8:30am Shirley Davis† By:Women’s President Organization Friday, April 24: 8:30am In Honor of the Blessed Mother Saturday, April 25: 6:00pm Trine Galvan† By:Chris Garcia Sunday, April 26: 7:30am People of the Parish 10:00am Peter Griffiths† By:Schaider Family 12:30pm In Thanksgiving By: Blanca Rodriguez 4:00pm Special Intention Fr. (Uncle) Don Schwarting By:Shari Davis & Family Sunday April 11 & 12, 2015 Principle Balance Monthly Payment Donations this Week $ 200,761.01 $ 8,000.00 $ 1,329.00 God’s blessings to each of you for your generosity and support to our parish with your time, talent and treasure. DIOCESAN SERVICES FUND Parish Goal $50,000.00 Total Amount Pledged $ 24,440.00 Total Amount Paid $ 19,200.00( 38.40%) Total # of Participants 98 “Be Rich in Good Works, Ready to Share” The Diocesan Services Fund offers all of us an opportunity to let others experience the teachings and the grace of the Lord. More than 60 programs are under the DSF umbrella of ministries serving hundreds of thousands of people in the Archdiocese. Please support DSF with your gift today. Envelopes are located at the back of the church, or you can go online to make your donation @ archgh.org/dsf. God’s Blessings to each of you for your generosity. Weekly Goal $12,000.00 Sunday Collection $10,105.88 @ Pi_]_ of History ]om_s to St. M[ry’s… Th_ n_w front ^oors h[v_ \__n h[n^]r[ft_^ for our ]hur]h using th_ r_]l[im_^ flooring m[t_ri[l from St. M[ry’s C[th_^r[l B[sili][ in G[lv_ston, T_x[s. This lum\_r, Longl_[f Pin_, w[s mill_^ sp_]ifi][lly for th_ ]onstru]tion of St. M[ry’s ][th_^r[l B[sili][ in G[lv_ston, T_x[s in 1847, [n^ w[s r_mov_^ [n^ r_]l[im_^ [ft_r hurri][n_ Ik_ in 2008. Come Join Us… Inspirational Tours, Inc. 9 Day Shrines of Italy Tour Spiritual Director: Fr. Tony Castro Dec. 26, 2015 ~ Jan. 3, 2016 Cost: 3,250.00 Per Person ~ Double Occupancy This trip is open to all parishioners. Please make your reservation as soon as possible. We only have limited spaces available. There is a $300.00 deposit due at the time of registration. Brochures are available at the back of the church or in the office. All monies will be due in September. For additional information, please contact Tracy @ 713-817-2640 at [email protected] or call the church office. 2 Dear parish family, 3rd Sunday of Easter B This Sunday’s gospel brings us back to time when the disciples were yet absorbed with pain and discouragement after Jesus death, greatly troubled with a lot of questions in their heads. The reality of the resurrection was beyond their understanding yet neither have they fully grasped its meaning. Jesus had to reappear to them several times and had to convince them he is not just a ghost or a fantasy. Jesus in fact recognizes the brokenness of the two disciples on the road to Emmaus. He listened to them and felt their anguish. Then he interpreted those events for them in the light of the Scriptures. He said, “didn’t you know that the Messiah has to suffer first before his can enter his glory?” They felt so enlightened by his words along the road that they beg him stay with them as they arrive at their destination. And while at table, Jesus broke bread in the manner the disciples were familiar with. It was then they finally recognized him. This is what was being referred to on the first part of this Sunday’s gospel of “how Jesus was made known to them at the breaking of the bread.” St. John Neumann commenting on this passage says, “as soon as they recognize the physical presence of the Lord at the breaking of the bread he vanished in order that they can connect his invisible presence to the physical presence of the broken bread.” The gospel story somehow tells us about the Mass: the Scriptures while on the road, then the breaking of the bread at the table, the Eucharist, when we concretely recognize his real presence. This Sunday’s gospel evokes also our experience of the risen Jesus in the community’s Eucharistic celebration. First, Jesus “gathers” the community by appearing in their midst and greeting them” “Peace be with you.” Then, Jesus “opened their minds to understand the scriptures” – Law, Prophets, Psalms – a Liturgy of the Word. As Christian discipleship is no fantasy escape from suffering, so Jesus shows the disciples his wounds and eats the food they offer, images of our own Liturgy of the Eucharist. The gospel episode concludes as Sunday Eucharist always does: disciples sent forth to witness. We are reminded of the Mass concluding words – “Mass is ended, go forth glorifying God by your lives,” or “go forth to love and serve the Lord,” or other words to the same effect. Pope Francis often reminds us that when we go out from the Eucharist and witness Jesus’ self-sacrificing love in our service to our suffering brothers and sisters, we interact with the risen Christ himself. Blessings to all and have a good week! Fr. Tony Querida familia parroquial, 3er Domingo de Pascua B El Evangelio de este domingo nos conduce de nuevo al tiempo cuando los discípulos estaban todavía absorbidos por el dolor y desaliento después de la muerte de Jesús, mucha pena con un montón de preguntas en sus cabezas. La realidad de la resurrección fue más allá de su comprensión todavía no han entendido plenamente su significado. Jesús tuvo que volver a aparecer a ellos varias veces y tuvo que convencerlos de que no es un fantasma o una fantasía. Jesús, de hecho, reconoce el abatimiento de los dos discípulos en el camino a Emaús. Él escuchó y sintió su angustia. Luego interpretó esos acontecimientos para ellos a la luz de las Escrituras. Él dijo: "¿No sabeis que el Mesías ten a que sufrir primero, antes de entrar en su gloria?" Ellos se sintieron tan iluminados por sus palabras a lo largo de la carretera que le piden que se quede con ellos, hasta que llegan a su destino. Y mientras en la mesa, Jesús partió el pan de la manera que los discípulos estaban familiarizados. Fue entonces que finalmente lo reconocieron. Esto es a lo que se refiere en la primera parte del evangelio de este domingo "cómo Jesús se dio a conocer a ellos en la fracción del pan." St. John Neumann comentando este pasaje dice, "tan pronto como ellos reconocen la presencia física del Señor en la fracción del pan, el desaparece con el fin de que puedan conectar su presencia invisible de la presencia física del pan partido". La historia del evangelio de alguna manera nos habla de la Misa: las Escrituras, mientras van en el camino, y luego la fracción del pan en la mesa, es en la Eucaristía, cuando concretamente reconocemos su presencia real. El evangelio de este Domingo evoca también nuestra experiencia de Jesús resucitado en la celebración eucarística de la comunidad. ". En primer lugar, Jesús "reune" a la comunidad y al aparecer en medio de ellos les saluda “la paz sea con vosotros” Entonces, Jesús “ abrió el entendimiento para que comprendieran las Escrituras "- La ley, los Profetas, los Salmos - una Liturgia de la Palabra. Como discípulo de Cristo es fantasía no escapar del sufrimiento, así que Jesús muestra a los discípulos sus heridas y come la comida que ofrecen, las imágenes de nuestra propia Liturgia de la Eucaristía. El episodio del evangelio concluye como siempre lo hace la Eucaristía dominical: discípulos enviados para ser testigos. Esto nos recuerda las palabras finales de la misa - "La Misa ha terminado, id y glorificad a Dios con sus vidas", o " Id servid y amar al Señor", u otras palabras con la misma misión. El papa Francisco nos recuerda a menudo que cuando salimos de la Eucaristía y testificamos el abnegado amor de Jesús sirviendo a nuestros hermanos y hermanas que sufren, interactuamos con el mismo Cristo resucitado. Bendiciones a todos y que tengan una buena semana! Padre Tony ST. MARY'S CATHOLIC CHURCH ~ LA PORTE Funeral Telephone Tree New schedules are available. Often when someone passes away during the week it is very difficult to get the word out to fellow parishioners about funeral arrangements. If you would like to be contacted through our Telephone Tree, please contact the office or call Jane @ 281471-0509. Reception Volunteers Needed… Would you be interested in donating food for our funeral receptions? We have three funeral teams that do the receptions on a rotating basis. You do not have to attend the reception, but can drop off your donations anytime before the service. Also, we are in need of volunteers to help with the receptions following funerals. This ministry is a true blessing to our parish. If you would like to donate food or join one of our teams, please contact the office. Every volunteer does make a difference!!! ALTAR SOCIETY April 18/19: Celebration of Craig Wade’s 28th Birthday & Jennifer Wade’s 25th Birthday By: Parents, Jeff & Debbie Wade Altar Flower Dates Available APRIL 19, 2015 Women’s Day of Reflection at Holy Name Passionist Retreat Center! Living Out the Gospel: Walking in His Way Thurs. April 30th @ 9am-2:30pm We are called to be loving and compassionate witnesses for Christ. Let us gather and reflect on both the lives of women before us, as well as our own lives, to see how we can exude the love and light of Christ in our actions and words. Throughout the day, we will have conferences, quiet reflection, and small group discussions. The day concludes with confessions and Mass. Suggested offering$40.00, includes coffee, breakfast pastries and lunch. To contact the center, go online at; www.passionist.org/holyname. You may also contact Victoria Swenson, St. Mary’s parishioner, for more information @ 281-991-4780. April 25/26, May 9/10, 16/17, 30/31 Please contact the office or Carolyn O’Neal @ 832-465-4689 to reserve your date. Church Candle Special Intention for Our Life Teen Youth Chapel Candle Special Intention Henrietta Mills By: Rosie Molina Mothers, Daughters, Grandmothers, Grandaughters, etc. Please Join Us!!! Mother’s Day Tea... Sunday, May 3rd @ 1:30pm Tickets available in the office. Adults: $10.00 Children(4-11)$5.00 Table Sponsors $75.00 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 occasion @ $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 the office. GIVING THANKS WHEN YOU SHOP Please be sure to thank the generous advertisers in our bulletin the next time you patronize them. Through their advertising, our parish receives our weekly bulletin free of charge. Like the gospel today, sometimes our minds need to be opened to know what God has done for us, and what he wants for us in our marriage. Deepen your communication, strengthen your relationship, rekindle your romance and renew your sacrament by attending one of the next Worldwide Marriage Encounter Weekends are May 15-17 or June 19-21. Register early to reserve a spot. Contact Brian & Tina Little @ 281-773-4014 or for go online to houstonme.org. St. Vincent de Paul Thrift Store Mon.-Wed., Fri., Sat. 9:00-11:00am Store Closed Thurs. & Sun. In this Sunday’s Gospel, Jesus explains the meaning of the scriptures. Like the disciples, when we offer and receive forgiveness our hearts burn because we encounter the risen Christ within us. Have you considered answering the call to “help the poor find forgiveness and healing in their life” by joining the Society of St. Vincent de Paul? Our Resale Shop here at St. Mary’s is in desperate need of volunteers. Several of our regular volunteers have had to be taken off of the schedule due to medical issues. The store hours are 9-11am, and the store is open every day but Thurs. & Sun. You can pick any day you are able to work. If you are available to help out, please contact the church office. 4 ST. MARY'S CATHOLIC CHURCH ~ LA PORTE THIRD SUNDAY OF EASTER READINGS FOR THE WEEK Monday: Acts 6:8-15; Ps 119:23-24, 26-27, 29-30; Jn 6:22-29 Tuesday: Acts 7:51 — 8:1a; Ps 31:3cd-4, 6, 7b, 8a, 17, 21ab; Jn 6:30-35 Wednesday: Acts 8:1b-8; Ps 66:1-3a, 4-7a; Jn 6:35-40 Thursday: Acts 8:26-40; Ps 66:8-9, 16-17, 20; Jn 6:44-51 Friday:Acts 9:1-20; Ps 117:1bc, 2; Jn 6:52-59 Saturday:1 Pt 5:5b-14; Ps 89:2-3, 6-7, 16-17; Mk 16:15-20 Sunday:Acts 4:8-12; Ps 118:1, 8-9, 21-23, 26, 28, 29; 1 Jn 3:1-2; Jn 10:11-18 APRIL 19, 2015 Steak Dinner & Auction Thank You!!! Without the generosity of our monetary donors, to purchase auction items, our auction would not have been possible. Thank you … Monetary Donors!!! Scholarship applications are available in the office for all high school seniors who will be graduating in May. Applications are due back in the office by May 10th. Please Pray For Our Troops and … Cruz Acosta, Adam Acosta, Leo Villarreal, Karen Bounds, Chemin Family, DiBora Family, Rudy Garcia, Rena Hellstein, Espinoza Family, Kenyan Lewis Family, J.B. Buentello, Veronica Duran, Maria Elisa, Daneal, Yo Baña Cantu, Diane Lemons, Paula Lambright, Augustine Pineda, Geopge Lopez, Gary & Debbie McFadden, Jessica Redou, Miranda Salinas, Chad Henson, Steve Stewart, Emperatiz Cortes, Alfred Molina, Chad Henson, Abel Benitez, Marty Montemayor, Luke Lewllan, Mary Dean, Sue Gonzalez, Jordon Bright, Candalaria Ortiz, Jennifer Wade, Craig Wade, Gilson Family, Harry Roland, Carlos Rodriguez, Benjamin Barragan, James Hagler, Jeremy George, Danny Miguel Saul, Cody Caits, Lois Johnson, Mark LeClair Sr.,Gloria LeClair, Mary Lee Leake, Phil Leake, Ralph Garza, Bill Bianchini, Sharon Darden Continue to Pray for Clarence Clipper, Diana Garza, Kay Gold, Red Cornejo, Nancy Isla Castro, Irlinda, Beatriz Gamboa, Kathryn Coleman, Norman & Joanne Hartman, Marita Hooper, Linda Jaramillo, Janie Cavazos, Janet Lodge, Rose Moreno, 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, Nell Turk, Diana Ortiz, Ophelia Pinard, Bob Davis, Dot Ryan, Janet Hoffpauir, Nick Martin, Geraldine Christensen, Teresa Eidt, Barry Armstrong and those requesting prayer via our web site. Remember Our Shut-Ins Ann Blair, Soledad Hernandez, Elida Peterson, those battling terminal illness and the residents of La Porte Care Center and Parson’s House. Repose of the Soul of Hemma Annette DiBora and Trieni Sandoval Our Sympathy to Mary Chemin and family on the loss of her daughter, Hemma Annette, and Mary Boatman and family on the loss of her sister in law, Trieni 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 during regular office hours. • Knights of Columbus Upcoming… All Parishioners Welcome May 11th-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 every 2nd Monday of the month in St. Joseph’s Chapel @ 6:30pm. If you have any questions about any of the above information, please contact Jaime Vasquez @ 832-3398849 or [email protected]. ¡¡¡VEN Y ACOMPAÑANOS!!! Clases de Crecimiento I En el Rosary Hall Lunes de 7:00 a 9:00 pm Si te perdiste la primera clase, todavía estas a tiempo de participar... Información, favor de llamar Alma Brinkley al (281) 658-2315. Upcoming Baptismal Dates May 3rd, June 7th, July 5th Our regularly scheduled baptism classes are on the 2nd Tuesday of each the month in English and 3rd Tuesday of each month in Spanish @ 7pm. Baptisms are the first Sunday of the month after the 10am and 12:30pm Masses. To register please call the office. “Gabriel’s Angels” 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 Belinda @ 713805-4961 or the Church Office. 5 ST. MARY'S CATHOLIC CHURCH ~ LA PORTE THIRD SUNDAY OF EASTER Houston Museum of Fine Arts In the early 1620’s, Flemish painter Peter Paul Rubens completed one of his greatest achievements: designing the Triumph of the Eucharist tapestries. The exhibit is ongoing until May 10th in the Law Building, Mezzanine, 1001 Bissonnet. Go to www.mfah.org/visit/hours-and-admissions/. Join Us… Sunday Morning Bible Study with Deacon Stan & Tracy Avallone. The program we are using is called “Bringing Faith Home”. (CCE Schedule @ 8:45am & 11). Everyone is welcome. If you need any additional information please contact Deacon Stan @ 281-507-2253. Bible Study ~ The Bible Timeline on Sunday evenings in the Rosary Hall conference room. If that time does not work for you can come Wednesday mornings @ 9:15 in the conference room next to the church office. There will be class on Sunday, April 19th and Wednesday, April 22nd. If you have any questions, please email Tracy @ [email protected]. St. Mary’s Music Ministry Needs You... Sat. 6pm Mass– Rehearsals before Mass at 5:15 Contact Kathy McBride 713-628-8387 Sun. 7:30am Mass - Rehearsals before Mass at 7am Contact Yvonne Fisher 832-581-5974 Sun. 10:00am Mass - Annelise Lagasse 281-459-6453 Sun. 12:30pm Spanish MassContact Jose Vazquez 832-868-4081 Sun. 4pm Life Teen Mass- Rehearsals-Sunday 2pm Contact Alex @ 281-543-7794 or [email protected] “Together in Holiness” Inspiring Event for Couples ~ May 2, 2015 9am You don’t want to miss this...the first Together in Holiness marriage conference offered in the Archdiocese of Galveston-Houston! As an initiative of the John Paul II Foundation for Life & Family, this oneday event includes insightful presentations, Mass, Eucharistic adoration, and conversation with the one you love. It will help your marriage and family -not just to service – but thrive in holiness! Speakers include Jim & Joy Pinto, co-hosts of EWTN’s Radio show At Home With Jim and Joy; Chris & Sarah Stravitsch from the John Paul II Foundation; and Fr. Dwight Longenecker, a popular author and married priest. Learn about encountering God in your spouse and children, receive practical guidance for living your faith in the home, and discover how Catholic spiritual traditions can benefit your family. Cost: $45.00, $25/ individual. Free childcare! (space is limited) Learn more and register @www.TogetherInHoliness.org APRIL 19, 2015 Activities of the Week Sun. April 19: CCE, EDGE, Life Teen, Adult Conf. Class 2pm Rosary Hall Bible Study 5pm Mon. April 20: Clases de Crecimiento 7pm Rosary Hall Tues. April 21: Baptism Class (Spanish) 7pm Wed. April 22: Bible Study 9:15am Conf. Rm 10 AM Choir Practice 6pm Rosary Hall Thurs. April 23: Spanish Choir Practice 7pm Church Sun. April 26: Adult Confirmation Class 2pm MINISTRY SCHEDULE April 25 & 26, 2015 SATURDAY 6:00pm Altar Servers A. Nguyen, J. P. Nguyen Lector F. Novak Commentator P. Stanton Extraordinary Ministers W. Hayes, R. Molina, K. Strader of the Eucharist SUNDAY-7:30am Altar Server E. Kappil, R. Kappil Lector J. Sturm Commentator D. Wade Extraordinary Ministers D. Ortiz, R. Ortiz, K. Shipp of the Eucharist SUNDAY-10:00am Altar Server N. Avallone, N. Colling Lector V. Maduzia Commentator L. Patten Extraordinary Ministers S. Burmaster, L. Colling, G. Leslie of the Eucharist SUNDAY-12:30pm(Spanish) Altar Servers A. Calvillo, X. Gallegos, M. Hernandez Lectors R. Calvillo, S. Calvillo Extraordinary Ministers J. Velasquez, V. Velasquez of the Eucharist SUNDAY 4:00pm LIFE TEEN MASS Altar Servers A. Brinkley, D. Rowan Lectors K. Nastally Extraordinary Ministers A. Brinkley, J. Lopez, M. Reyes of the Eucharist St. Joseph’s Chapel Are you someone retired who would consider spending one hour with Our Lord each week in the chapel? Often, during the daytime hours especially, our adorers have appointments or are out of town and find it difficult to find a sub. We are hoping to have two people assigned to each hour to alleviate this issue. If you feel God is calling you or you would like to be placed on our substitute list, please contact the office. 6 Class Today 8:45 & 11:15 am First Communion Parent Mtg. # 3 Today during CCE Class Rosary Hall CCE questions contact Jessica @ 281-515-5429 or [email protected]. Upcoming… VBS 2015 July 27-31 Class Tonight @ 5:15pm Rene Cortez @ 832-283-8758 Sacrament Class @ 2pm Info. Contact Deacon Stan Avallone 281-507-2253 Life Teen Mass Today 4PM Class Tonight @ 5pm Next Confirmation Class April 22nd, 6-7pm ADORE WED. May 6th Save the Date... Spaghetti Dinner May 9th Steubenville on the Bayou June 26-28 ~ $100. Deposit Due Contact Shari Davis @ 281-471-6066 if you have any questions about our Life Teen Program.