WRITE FOR LIFE....
.... is a coordinated effort sponsored by the Galveston-Houston Archdiocese to enlist the help of parishioners to write to individuals in the Legislatures or with Leadership positions to vote for legislation or direct their organizations to act on behalf of “Life”. Life is defined as from Conception to Natural Death. Each month we are given a topic and a person(s) to direct our mail towards to impact the “Respect for Life” path we envision. In October, we wrote to Senators Hutchison and Cornyn asking them to vote against using human embryos as lab experiments, regardless the benefit. We need all the help we can get to keep the focus on “Pro-Life.” Your participation will greatly enhance our efforts in guiding those persons making the decisions for us. Please join us in our monthly writing effort. Contact Bob Dean by email at bob4345@aol.com or by telephone at 936 582-6314.
And Now A Word From Your Pastor....
Now that we have weathered two hurricanes, it might be informative and helpful to reflect on the experience and lessons learned. Of course, we are all aware of how fortunate we have been. Just viewing the images of the damage and lives torn apart have been wrenching. I have to remind myself that it could have been our area and us in those pictures. One almost feels a little guilty having prayed that we be spared, knowing that each hurricane had to hit somewhere. Yet, that is the power of prayer and accepting all that happens as somehow part of God’s ability to bring good out of even the worst of disasters. We have to remember that God originally planned a paradise for us, free from all pain and suffering, and definitely hurricanes. We live now in a world that is so different from that intended by God. Yet, even when touched personally or knowing the suffering of others compels us to trust in God’s love and be certain of His care of His children everywhere in every crisis, natural disaster, or tragedy.
I Could Really Use Your Help
I am trying to update the Parish database for both St. Mary’s and St. Joseph’s. It would be very helpful if we could add e-mail addresses to our database for quick use. If you have an e-mail address and do not mind if we e-mail you from the church, please e-mail me your address at info@smsj.org. Thanks - Dot Holguin, Parish Secretary
And The Winners Were....
For the 2005 Bazaar Raffle On behalf of St. Mary’s Bazaar Raffle Committee, I’d like to thank everyone who donated prizes and money for the bazaar raffle. Your generosity is greatly appreciated. Thank you to everyone who gathered prizes, participated in the Early Bird incentive, sold raffle tickets, and helped with the raffle before and during the bazaar. Once again….. The raffle was a HUGE success ! Our TOP TEN winners were: 4 –Wheeler :
Barbeque Pit
Generator w/gas Card:
Ceramic Hens:
Flower Arrangement:
Quilt, Shams, & Pillow:
Catering for 50 @ Lakeview:
Cedar Chest:
Pressure Washer:
Gruene, Texas Get Away:
| Fernando Gomez
Sarah Denson
John Mattern
Hugh Comack
Janice Garvis
Father Kelly
Richard Elms
Thelma Miller
Damon Uherek
Justin Holli |
Diocese Workshop
The Diocese is holding a workshop on Saturday, October 15, from 8:45—3:00 at Christ, the Good Shepherd in Spring. If you are a cantor, you should have received this information in the mail from St. Mary’s. The possible topics should be: extraordinary ministers, lectors (beginning and advanced), church environment for Christmas, basic/intermediate vocal skills, cantors, RCIA, ushers/greeters, and alter servers. If interested, mail your name, address, phone, parish, deanery, and email to: Office of Worship Workshops
St. Dominic Center
2403 Holcombe Blvd.
Houston, Texas 77021-2098 Please also include a check in the amount of $20.00 which includes your lunch. Sharon Skeans will be going if anyone wants a ride, please let her know. REGISTRATION DEADLINE IS: October 07, 2005
A PRAYER TO ADVERT STORMS
Father, All the elements of nature obey Your command.
Calm the storms that threaten us
and turn our fear of Your power
into praise of Your goodness.
Grant this through our Lord Jesus Christ, Your Son,
Who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit,
one God, for ever and ever. Amen.
Reaching Out To The Needy
Consistently.... Knowing how easily we forget or just need to get in the habit, the 1st weekend of each month is to be designated ‘Food Pantry Sunday’, a weekend to bring an item or two from your pantry to share with those whose pantries are not so full. The large wicker basket is now in the foyer of the hall at St. Mary and in the foyer of the church at St. Joseph. This is a wonderful way to have the whole family participate in reaching out to those in need, each member picking a favorite item...not something just to get rid of. Of course, the baskets are there every day of every month….just in case you forget anyway.
Intercessions for Life
For all homeless parents,
that God will teach us
how to love and support them;
with an ever-deepening love each day;
We pray to the Lord: For young mothers tempted to abort their child,
that God’s grace might give them
the wisdom and fortitude
to preserve the gift they carry within them;
We pray to the Lord: For the parents who have grown very old
that through their prayers and example
they might teach their grandchildren
the wonders of the Gospel of Life;
We pray to the Lord: For every little child
and especially for those who
live in their mother’s womb,
that they might grow
in the image and likeness of
the God who made them;
We pray to the Lord: | For orphaned children throughout the world,
and especially those
were abused or neglected,
that we might work to save them;
We pray to the Lord: For doctors who perform abortions,
and for those who assist them,
that by our love, patience,
and unswerving dedication to the truth,
they might be drawn closer to the Lord of life;
We pray to the Lord: For our President,
our congressmen and senators,
the Justices of our Supreme Court,
and all who seek to foster
principals on which this country was founded;
We pray to the Lord: For the men and women who sit on death row
awaiting the end of their life,
that we might pray for them
with compassion and care;
We pray to the Lord: |
Ministry Formation Days
On Saturdays, September 24th, October 15th, and November 12th, ministry workshops will be offered in the archdiocese for liturgical ministry coordinators and lay ministers: Lectors, Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion (English & Spanish), Art & Environment, Ushers/Greeters, Altar Servers, RCIA and Music. The opening presentations will focus on ministry discernment. Some sessions will provide the opportunity to reflect on the Seasons of Advent and Christmas as an aid to prepare the liturgy of these seasons. Sept. 24th—St. Bernadette Soubirou, Clear Lake
Oct. 15—Christ the Good Shepherd, Spring
Nov. 12—St. Dominic Center, Houston Time: 8:45 am to 3:00 pm (Lunch included with registration). Fee: $20 Continuing education is an ongoing process for all involved in parish ministries whether you are new to the ministry or an ‘old hand.’ Please contact the appropriate ministry coordinator or call the church office (936-894-2223) to sign up for a workshop.
MISSION OF ALL CHRISTIANS EVERYWHERE:
HELP SPREAD THE GOOD NEWS! It’s not too late to invite people to attend our RCIA program. You can do this by taking several of the brochures entitled “Discover the Catholic Church” (located in plastic holders at the entrance of both St. Mary’s and St. Joseph’s churches) and mail or hand out to your friends, relatives, neighbors or to leave at strategic places for people to pick up (beauty salons, dr.’s offices—please ask permission first!) Inside the brochure is an insert advertising the RCIA program and inviting people to attend.
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As the RCIA program gets underway, we will be in need of sponsors to walk with the candidates on their journey of faith. You do not need to be a fount of Biblical knowledge to do this—just a confirmed Catholic actively practicing your faith (regularly seeking the Eucharist) and be a caring person willing to share with someone and stand as their witness. If interested, call and leave your name & number with the church office, 936-894-2223.
KNOW YOUR FAITH
Do you really know what the Church teaches
and why? Coming soon to St. Joseph, a video presentation by Fr. John Corapi will be shown in SJ Hall after 7:30 am Mass each Sunday. You still have time to dig out your old Catechism or buy the new Second Edition at St. Mary’s Corner Shoppe to follow along with this series. Fr. Corapi is widely regarded as a preacher and public speaker. (This series will be repeated at St. Mary’s after the 10:30 am Mass beginning at a later date this fall.) “IN ORDER TO LOVE CHRIST MORE DEEPLY ONE MUST COME TO KNOW HIM MORE INTIMATELY. KNOWING THE FAITH IS KNOWING
JESUS.” Watch for the beginning dates!
BAPTISM TEAM TRAINING
If anyone is interested in becoming a part of St. Mary/St. Joseph’s Baptism Preparation Team and being trained through the archdiocese, please contact Francell Busa through the parish office (936-894-2223). Part I Date: Tuesday, October 11, 2005
Location: Chancery at St. Dominic
2403 Holcombe Blvd., Rm. 106 in
Morkovsky Hall
Time: 7:30—9:30 pm
Cost: $5.00 per person (Part II will be held on November 15)
Seasonal Planning Workshops
Workshops to aid lectors, music directors, RCIA leaders, Art & Environment in planning for Lent, the Triduum & Easter. St. Dominic Center, Nov. 12 from 8:45-3:30 pm. Fee: $30 (includes lunch). Mail choice of workshop with payment to:
Office of Workshops
St. Dominic Center
2403 Holcombe Blvd.
Houston, TX 77021-2098 (Register by Nov. 4 so they may prepare materials)
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